Browsing by Author "Janse van Vuren, Johanna Isabella"

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    The quest for realism : an assessment of D.C. Maguire's ethical model as a resource in hermeneutical pastoral care and counselling towards moral decision-making for adolescents in the midst of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Janse van Vuren, Johanna Isabella; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The reality of the HIV and Aids epidemic in South Africa has entered into the lives of all South Africans in such a way that all people are either infected or affected by this epidemic. The age-old aphorism “Prevention is better than cure” is also true for the HIV and AIDS epidemic and can be seen as one of the primary strategies in the fight against HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. A lot of work has been done by different organisations both public and private to prevent further infections from taking place. Although there are a number of different strategies in place to help prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS, this epidemic is in essence a behavioural disease. By definition then, it can be prevented through changing behaviour. However, this is easier said than done. To change behaviour it is necessary to change thought processes and basic moral decision-making processes of individuals who are at risk of being infected with HIV and AIDS. In Sub-Saharan Africa the reality is that adolescents between the ages of 15-24 are at the highest risk of being infected because of a number of different factors often causing promiscuous and risky sexual behaviour. Even though incidence rates are decreasing as current statistics show, new infections are still occurring, especially amongst young people. A single, prescriptive approach, specifically when working with adolescents, is not feasible. In light of the above, this research study explores the moral decision-making model of DC Maguire as a possible approach to empower pastoral caregivers in hermeneutical pastoral care towards guiding adolescents in a quest for realism in terms of their sexuality and sexual activities. By looking at the current context of HIV and Aids in South Africa, as well as the reality of adolescent sexuality, this study suggests that an approach to moral decision-making like Maguire’s can empower pastoral caregivers to guide adolescents comfortably and confidently in the search for meaning-making when they are challenged with difficult decisions regarding their sexual activities in the light of the HIV and Aids epidemic in South Africa.